February 12, 2016

Friday First-Gen Focus

Today's film segment is a K-State student's story. From Johnson County, Kansas, Helene Nguyen is the daughter of Vietnamese immigrants. Placed in an English as a second language program for years, teachers thought Helene needed remedial help. Once properly tested, however, Helene's teachers realized that she was gifted. Helene is happy that her younger brother has decided to attend college; she even inspired her mother to study English.

"Helene's Story" is from "A Walk in My Shoes: First Generation College Students," which was produced by The Catalyst, and College of Education video producer Rusty Earl. This film has been broadcast by Kansas Public Television, viewed by educators all over the nation and world, and is the film upon which first lady Michelle Obama commented so positively. Helene's is one of nine stories in "A Walk in My Shoes." Look for the others on Friday's forthcoming.